If a drug or alcohol problem has become unmanageable in your life, a combination of cognitive-behavioral therapy and adventure therapy might be the combination you’ve been waiting for. Cognitive-behavioral therapy focuses on changing negative thoughts and behaviors intrinsic to drug addiction.
For people who struggle with addiction, negative and destructive thoughts and emotions often cloud their minds. Feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, self-pity, and resentment are common among those struggling with addiction.
Unfortunately, the unhealthy state of mind may make one believe that healing and recovery are completely out of their reach. The good news is that recovery is attainable. If you are struggling with drug addiction and looking to break the cycle of negative thinking, CBT, and dual diagnosis treatment at Recovery Bay Center can help you overcome negative thoughts that drive your drug abuse.
What Is Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Addiction?
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is an evidence-based treatment method that is based on the idea that addictive behavior stems from negative thoughts and behaviors. The negative thoughts propel a person to continue using the drugs, which exacerbate unhealthy feelings and thoughts.
CBT serves as an intervention to this vicious cycle by identifying a person’s root cause of the drug problem, helping them practice new healthy behaviors, and teach them how to cope with emotional triggers when they occur.
What Happens in a CBT Session in Florida?
CBT is a form of psychotherapy, so expect to have regular one-to-one meetings with your counselor or therapist to discuss your treatment goals, history, and a review of your problems. This form of addiction therapy can happen at an individual level, family level, or in a group setting, all of which help treat addiction.
During these sessions, you will be required to be candid and talk about your thoughts and feelings around you. Understandably, it can be hard to open up your struggles and feel vulnerable, but the more honest you are, the greater your capacity for success. Some of the issues that you might talk through with your therapist include but not limited to:
- What triggered your initial drug use
- What thoughts and emotions led you to keep using the drugs
- The healthy things that you can do in place of drug abuse
- How you can handle cravings and risky situations
- How to turn the negative thoughts, attitudes, and assumptions into constructive behaviors
CBT also aims at equipping you with life skills and recovery tools that can help you maintain long term recovery. Some of the skills that you can expect to gain include:
- Assertiveness
- Coping skills
- Relaxation skills
- Resilience
- Stress management skills
Can Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Help in Dual Diagnosis Treatment?
If you are struggling with addiction is likely that you may be struggling with other mental health problems. Mental illness and addiction are closely related, and one causes or worsens the other.
Take, for instance, people who drink alcohol to elevate their moods when depressed. Even though they might stop alcohol use for a while, the underlying depression can cause them to go back to alcohol.
CBT helps to address addiction as well as other underlying health conditions. Furthermore, the treatment is anchored on the notion that negative thoughts can and will worsen mental illness, not just addiction. If left untreated, these mental conditions can worsen the addiction.
Can CBT Be Used Alongside Other Therapies?
Whether used alone or as part of a treatment plan, cognitive-behavioral therapy has proven to treat addiction effectively. However, our rehab programs in Florida strive to offer customized programs designed to meet an individual’s unique needs. For that reason, CBT may be supported by a host of other therapies. Depending on your treatment plan, your therapist can recommend treatments such as:
- Dialectical behavior therapy
- Contingency management
- Motivational interviewing
Learn More About CBT at Recovery Bay Center
Just like in all other aspects of recovery, the early stages of CBT can be challenging. However, Recovery Bay therapists and staff are here to support you throughout your recovery. Our men’s rehab offers a wide variety of treatment programs in Florida in which cognitive-behavioral therapy can be a part. Some of these programs include:
- Alcohol detox centers
- Opiate treatment program
- Intensive outpatient program
- Treatment for co-occurring disorders
Don’t delay another second when help is so close. Contact Recovery Bay Center today at 833.991.2955 to learn more about cognitive-behavioral therapy treatment.
